During our recent Viking expedition cruise on Viking Octantis, we stayed in a Nordic Balcony Junior suite on deck 4. How did this cabin measure up to the contemporary cruise lines or other cabins on Viking’s river and ocean cruise ships? Well, we share all the details in our Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite Review.
Since we were guests of the cruise line on this sailing, our Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite, cabin 4026, was assigned to us. Reviewing the deck plans, this portside balcony cabin is located midship on deck 4.
Viking Expedition Cruise Nordic Junior Suite Review
While we have sailed on two Viking ocean ships and one Viking river ship, this was our first time sailing on the line’s brand new class of expedition ships. So, as you can imagine, we were anxious to see this Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite, our home away from home for our Caribbean Connections itinerary.
Since Viking Octantis only has seven passenger decks (decks A-6), our room was in close proximity to most public venues. With the World Café, Mamsen’s, and the Living Room only one deck above, we never had to go far for breakfast or a morning coffee. Further, other popular spaces like the Aula, Finse Terrace, and Nordic Spa were only two decks below.
Our suite was also located very close to an elevator bank and the midship staircase.
According to the cruise line’s website, a Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite is 322 square feet. It also includes a Nordic balcony, similar to an infinite veranda on Celebrity’s Edge Class of ships. This cabin is larger than most standard cabins on contemporary cruise lines and still even larger than our suite from a previous Viking ocean cruise.
Further, guests staying in a Nordic Junior Suite receive priority embarkation and stateroom access at 11 am. Guests can also make shore excursion reservations at 57 days prior to departure and 3 reservations at each restaurant 80 days in advance. For those thinking of booking spa treatments, this can also be done 80 days in advance.
All Viking Expedition cabins include complimentary WiFi, a 55 inch television, premium Freyja toiletries, robes and slippers, binoculars, 24 hour room service, and a drying closet. The Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite also includes a welcome bottle of champagne, an included mini-bar, personal coffee machine, complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing.
WATCH OUR VIKING NORDIC SUITE CABIN TOUR AND REVIEW!
Layout of the Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite
At first glance, we were pleasantly surprised by this cabin. Our Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite was luxurious and spacious.
Immediately upon entering the room, there was a closet to the right and the bathroom to the left. Continuing beyond the closet on the right (forward) wall, there was additional cabinetry housing the coffee maker and the mini-bar.
Beyond this hallway, the room opens up with the king-sized Viking Explorer bed on the left (aft) wall. Opposite the bed, there is a long dresser with the television mounted above it.
Off to one side of the bed, there is an additional closet as well as a drying closet. Also, on each side of the bed, there is a small nightstand with a USB, USB-C, US outlet, and European outlet, as well as a small drawer and shelf.
Continuing further into the room, there is the sitting area to the left and the desk to the right. The sitting area is separated from the bed by a narrow decorative shelving unit. Here, there is a ledge to store items, one small drawer, one small cabinet, and two shelves featuring books, binoculars, and a couple decorative items.
The seating area itself is generously sized with an L-shaped sofa, oval coffee table, and one upright chair. There is also a wall power station with 1 USB, 1 USB-C, 1 US, and 1 European outlet.
Across the way is the desk with a mirror above. The top of the desk does lift for some additional storage, and there are more outlets here as well (1 USB, 1 USB-C, 2 US, and 2 European outlets).
Finally, there is the Nordic balcony.
Inside Our Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite
Bathroom
The bathroom in our Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite was modern, elegant, and spacious. Like other Viking ships, this bathroom features heated floors as well as a heated towel rack. These can be turned off, especially while sailing in warmer climates.
The bathroom includes a large vanity with a mirror and double sinks. There are two small shelves above each side of the vanity, as well as one drawer and one shelf on each side within the vanity area.
There is also a full-sized shower with a glass door. The shower includes a narrow shelf at the far end and premium Freyja bath products.
The one item that is usually missing in cruise cabin bathrooms, and was also missing in this Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite, was liquid hand soap. Thankfully, we always bring our own now.
Closets
Regardless of your itinerary, you will have plenty of closet space in this Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite. Now, this is saying something coming from over-packers like ourselves!
The first closet upon entering the room has three sliding doors. The first two doors include a full length clothes bar with hangers, one full length shelf below, and two half length shelves on each side. The third door uncovers three shelves, the safe, and four additional drawers. I utilized this closet with plenty of leftover space.
The nearby cabinetry includes the coffeemaker. There is also a cabinet above including two shelves, two drawers below, and the mini-fridge. The mini-bar is included in this room category and is replenished daily.
Rounding the corner near the bed, there is the drying closet. We can see how this closet would be ideal for Antarctica and other expedition itineraries. It has a small clothes bar with hangers and several boot hooks. This closet also houses the lifejackets.
Adjacent to this closet, there is another double door closet. This closet includes a full length clothes bar, as well as four shelves and two drawers off to one side. Hubby used this closet with plenty of room to spare. Of course, you will also find the bathrobes, slippers, and umbrella here.
Main Cabin Area
The king-sized bed with luxury linens and pillows offered plenty of comfort during our trip. We were able to unwind each evening and had no issues falling asleep, even if the “balcony” did rattle a bit.
The cabinet across from the bed offered even more storage if you still needed any. There are four small drawers and two long drawers located here. There is also plenty of space to walk between the end of the bed and this dresser.
Keeping trend with the rest of this Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite, the sitting area is rather spacious as well. With the L-shaped couch and upright chair, you could easily fit 4 adults here. Hubby used this space as his work station during the course of the week while admiring the vistas from the floor length window.
Across from the sitting area is the desk. While the desk is average in size for a cruise cabin, it basically served as my space to get ready each day. We did appreciate that there were separate outlets near the sitting area and the desk, allowing us to charge multiple devices at one time.
Balcony
The “balcony” in this Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite is not a true balcony. Rather, it is a large floor to ceiling window that opens from the top.
This Nordic balcony has a central ledge about a foot deep, which is large enough to enjoy a cup of coffee or snack while standing near the window to admire the views.
The switches to open and close the top portion of the balcony and the switch to open and close the blinds are located off to the left of the window in this cabin.
While we are generally not fans of this type of balcony, it definitely makes sense on an expedition vessel. It allows you to admire your destinations while still enjoying the comfort and warmth of the cabin.
Recap of Our Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite
Our Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite was the ideal accommodations for our sailing on Viking Octantis.
The suite featured a neutral color palette, light wood tones, and pops of blue and orange for a nautical feel. In keeping with Viking’s theme, it has understated elegance.
The bed was comfortable, and the suite itself was spacious. We particularly liked the upgraded bathroom, the abundance of closet space, and the large seating area. Further, we appreciated the number of power outlets located throughout the cabin.
Even though we were sailing in the Caribbean, we see how the extra touches like the heated floors and towel rack, the drying closet, and the Nordic balcony are perfect for those polar region expeditions.
Of course, the extra perks that come with booking this cabin category are an extra bonus. Do be sure to make your allotted dining reservations and shore excursions, as they do fill up quickly.
If you are cruising on Viking Octantis, we would highly recommend this Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite regardless of the itinerary.
Comments
Have you sailed in a Viking Expedition Nordic Junior Suite yet? What is your preferred stateroom category when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your review of the cabins on Viking cruise ships.
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